A national survey by the Australia‑China Relations Institute finds Australian public concern over university ties with China has eased to its lowest level since the pandemic, though questions remain about academic freedom and foreign influence. The poll shows growing public support for research partnerships while attitudes toward security and political interference remain mixed. The report notes the distinction Australians draw between Chinese state activities and people of Chinese origin, and suggests transparency measures and foreign‑interference safeguards may be moderating public worry. University international offices and research‑compliance teams should track shifting public sentiment and policy signals as governments refine disclosure and vetting requirements for cross‑border research collaborations. (Source: UTS Australia‑China Relations Institute survey.)